The Power of Us: The 'Power of Us' is a three-day experience that aims to unify, energize, and empower a multiracial and multi-generational cohort of Birmingham-area bearers of culture/leadership in community. “The Power of Us” is designed to provide tools and framework for cultural organizers to utilize art as a vehicle for multi-racial democracy and to seed coalition building as apart of the Cultural Week of Action.
Facilitated by Birmingham Black Repertory Theatre Collective, The Black Cherry Tree Project, CREED 63, Magic City Acceptance Center, and Rachael Reichenbach with support from Race Forward, Americans for the Arts, and contributions from Highlander Research & Education Center,
Objectives of ‘Power of Us’
Unified Community Action: Build coalitions across diverse communities through rest and play.
Empowerment through Art: Learn tools and practices to utilize art as a tool for activism and social change.
Collaboration and Networking: Foster collaboration among multiracial and multi-generational organizers and leaders through collaborative projects, panel discussions, and ongoing coalition building.
Local History and Cultural Context: Explore Birmingham’s 4th Ave Black Business District and its impact on current social dynamics through historical tours, lectures, and interactive discussions.
Tools for Justice: Provide practical tools and frameworks to visualize and actualize justice and freedom via skill-building workshops and strategy sessions.
All participants will receive a $500 Stipend for participation.
Birmingham Black Repertory Theatre Collective’s ‘Power of Us’ was selected as one of 14 anchor projects, as apart of the Cultural Week of Action on Race and Democracy sponosred by Race Forward and Americans for The Arts.
“The selected projects represent the diversity, innovation, and uniqueness inherent in the fabric of our country,” said Glenn Harris, President of Race Forward. “That’s what a multiracial democracy is all about. It’s local communities organizing together to build a future that centers equity, justice, and belonging.”
'The Power of Us' was selected as one of 14 anchor projects nationwide, chosen from 375 projects that were submitted for consideration. This annual initiative, hosted in partnership with local communities across the country, brings people of all identities and backgrounds together to spark action towards creating a just, multiracial democracy.
Together with local arts and culture institutions and community-based organizations, these projects and activities will spark conversations that touch on history, how it shapes our present, and how everyday people are organizing to build an equitable and racially just future. Local events will also inspire action that community members can take together to create a truly, just, multiracial democracy—starting in their own neighborhoods. Details about the projects can be found HERE.
The Power of Us: Birmingham Summit on Cultural Organizing and Justice by Birmingham Black Repertory Theatre Collective (Birmingham, AL)
Shining a Light on Alaska’s Diverse Communities by Native Movement (Alaska – statewide)
Black Disabled Artists Cultural Festival by Black Political Cultivation Arizona (Phoenix, AZ)
Ebony Beach Club Memory Portal by the Studio of Autumn Breon (California – statewide)
Southern Sierra Miwuk Nation by the Mariposa County Arts Council, Inc (Mariposa, CA)
BLACK TULIP by Betti Ono Foundation (Oakland, CA)
The Black Futures Newsstand: Reckoning with, Repairing, and Re-Imagining Chicago’s Media Ecosystem by MediaJustice (Chicago, IL)
The Affrilachia Summit by Gateway Regional Arts Center (Mt. Sterling, KY)
The Show Yourself Festival by The Quiet Voice (Nashville, TN)
“As I See You Exhibit” Michael Brown Jr. by The Michael Brown Sr. Chosen for Change Organization (Ferguson, MO)
Do It for the Culture, Cleveland by Cleveland VOTES (Cleveland, OH)“Immigration Project” by Early Era Collective (Oklahoma City, OK)
Coming Home by Vanport Mosaic (Portland, OR)
Initiation – Reclaiming Ancestral Knowledge, Reimagining Communities by South Dallas Parent Coalition (Dallas, TX)
Cultural Week of Action on Race and Democracy sponsors include: Djimon Hounsou Foundation,Equitable Cities,For Freedoms,The German Marshall Fund of the United States,Narrative Arts, Narrative Initiative,National Civic League, National League of Cities,Othering & Belonging Institute,People’s Action Institute,PolicyLink and World Cities Culture Forum.
